The Psalms came as music from David, the man after God’s own heart. He would sing psalms in good and bad times in his life. It was an outpouring of his raw emotion. As I was reading this beloved book of the bible, I felt the Holy Spirit say, “Sing them to me”. I was a bit taken back since this was a new concept. However, as I verbally, out loud started singing psalm after psalm, my heart felt joy. It was different than the usual reading to myself. That then led to me singing a new song to him, from my heart. Not a worship song already done but a fresh outpouring of my love for him. I couldn’t help but smile as I felt his presence.

designed by: Leah Marie Carson

There is something so powerful about praying out loud, worshipping and thanking him out loud. When someone asks me for prayer, my first response is “let’s pray out loud together now.” There is authority in having two people come together, in unity, making requests known. Matthew 18:19

Before we come to God with any asking we should start out thanking him for who he is, then follow with repentance and captivating our thoughts to remove any distractions, so we can clearly hear from him. 2 Corinthians 10:5

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1

Boldly speak of his wonderful deeds, bringing him glory.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8

Stay focused on him and you will not be shaken.

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

He gives us strength and peace that the world cannot offer.

So let us boldly live out loud knowing we hold the hope the world needs and cannot buy. The greatest gift of all.

This week marks my one year anniversary co-authoring, Lens of Faith. Hard to believe it’s been an entire year since the Holy Spirit appointed me to be his mouthpiece through this blog. He made it clear that he would speak through me and boy has he ever. I am so encouraged by your feedback every week. I hear often either in your comments or face to face, how timely a post is and that it being just what you needed. This fills me with joy and confirms what I know to be true.

I look back on this past year and I can’t help but express my gratitude for how he has entrusted me. There is no greater fulfillment then to walk out your destiny full of faith and wonder. Yes, there has been weeks where I felt as if I had nothing. I mean no topic or content and quite frankly, was not in the blogging mood. I would tell him, “Holy Spirit, speak through me cause I’m not feeling it today. I need you.” And you know what, he always came through. Whether I was traveling, on vacation or very busy, he always gave me the grace I needed to make this blog a priority and write an impactful message. Every week. What a testament to his faithfulness.

Thank you for your encouragement and for spurring me on! I continue to pray for you every week with my heart full of love. I look forward to more of what’s to come.

As I reflect on the latest tragedy in Las Vegas this week, my heart breaks. Unfortunately, this type of senseless violence is becoming common. Growing up, there where no signs of mass shootings, terrorist attacks and school shootings until Columbine in 1999. I remember sitting in my house so emotional and in complete shock; it was so unheard of.

Why are we experiencing this overwhelming amount of evil in our day? You might have a thought of your own. I see that the more we denounce God in America, the more we try and remove signs of him with reporting “this is no longer a Christian nation”, the less protected we are and the more evil reigns.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chron. 7:14

There is no gun law, no drug law or man made law that will prevent evil. The only way “to make America great again” is to make America God’s again. To give him his rightful place. Only he can change hearts and bring the healing we so desperately need. I love this classic work of art with the first leader of our nation, President George Washington, kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge. My dad has this powerful painting up on his bedroom wall and it stops me in my tracks every time I see it.

Painting by: Arnold Friberg

You see we can’t expect to reject God, kick him out then pray him back when we need his rescue. Until the hearts of man change and we turn back to him, there really is no other hope. He is our only hope. In his grace, he still has his hand of protection on us.

The only way to make America great again is to make America God’s again.”

What we can do as followers of Christ, is to spread his love, boldly make him known and to pray without ceasing.

We all have a past. The one where we were young and foolish, the unsurrendered one, the one full of lessons that made us who we are today. True transformation leads to a distaste for the pleasures of your past. You see, sin is what you do when your not satisfied with Christ. As he makes you whole, you crave him more and are tempted less.

My past includes the party life. I was always “the life of the party” so going out clubbing was a way for me to express myself and fill voids. I grew up in a strict Christian home, gave my life to Jesus at age 5. Still, my world spun out of control when I was 18, my family fell apart and I was not spiritually stable enough to handle the quake. Instead of clinging to the rock, I turned to the world. It was a few years of the enemy pretty much handing me his world on a silver platter.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” – Galatians 5:16-18

Thank God for his beautiful grace, he protected me during that time and restored my family. Yet still years later I missed the thrill of going out dancing and living the night life. I returned back to Jesus but still craved some of my past pleasures. It wasn’t until I truly surrendered to him, desiring him more than anything else that what once tempted me no longer did. The answer is, He must satisfy your heart.

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.” – Ephesians 4:22

You see, it’s not that if we sin we are not free. We sin every day. Either we have an attitude, have a thought, say a word or do a deed that’s not right. It’s when you live comfortable in your sin that defines you. The surrendered follower of Christ, recognizes their sin and repents. One that isn’t justifies their sin and continues.

No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child. –1 John 3:5-10

You see Christ wants to free us from anything that hinders us and keeps us from fulfilling our calling. He is seeking a pure and holy bride. Set apart. Our world is broken and in need of hope. If we look like the world then what do we have to offer? He came to free us, we must chase after that freedom.

Quote & design by: Leah Marie Carson

My prayer is that we will live free by purging ourselves of anything that doesn’t glorify him.

Much of our lives is spent planning. What we will do, where and when we will go. Sometimes we pray about our plans and desires, hoping God will jump on board and make it all happen. I was that person most of my life as a strong, independent woman. I have loved Jesus since I was very young, yet I wanted control of my life. I convinced myself I wanted God’s will but really if he asked me to do something I did not want to do, my hearing became very faint.

Now living a life of true surrender, I am doing exactly what he has told me to do. It is uncomfortable, it looks foolish, not everyone cheers me on but I have more peace in my life then ever before. I have learned that when you begin to trust him in obedience, you then start to fulfill your purpose on this earth. You see our whole beginning to end has already been written in his book. We do not need to strive, make it happen or live a stressful “keeping up with the Jones’s” life. He really does have it all in control. No one knows us like him. No one will ever love us like him. No one will be as intimate as him. So trusting him should be a no brainer. One of my favorite chapters in the bible depicts this so beautifully.

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up, my entire life, everything I do; You understand my thoughts from afar. You are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, still unspoken, O Lord, You know it all. You have placed Your hand upon me. Such infinite knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high above me, I cannot reach it.

For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.How precious also are Your thoughts of me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand.

Your eyes have seen my unformed body; and in Your book were written all the days that were appointed for me, When as yet there was not one of them even taking shape.” – Psalm 139

designed by: Leah Marie Carson

You see, he has your life already planned and already written. Your story is unlike any other. We don’t need to compete or compare. We were meant to have a unique life and to let go of worry, fear and any other worldly care. For he cares for you unlike any ever will and he custom designed the perfect plan for your life. Trust an obey loved ones.

Saturday’s news of Charlottesville, hit me hard. I have barely slept since and it has stirred up this great burden to cry out for my beloved America. Growing up in the diverse Bay Area, California, I can not relate to any of this. I had Chinese, Black, Puerto Rican and Hispanic best friends, since I was a little girl. I did not grow up segregated. It is truly foreign to me and it makes me sick to my stomach. Yet, God has intentionally placed me in the south where there is a history of segregation, lynchings and superior mindsets. He also chose the church I go to that is predominately black. The Holy Spirit spoke to me a couple years ago when I was considering a more “comfortable” church setting. He stopped me in my tracks when he so clearly told me, “I didn’t call you to fit in. I called you to be set apart and to bridge the gap.” My mouth dropped, it was that clear.

photo by: Lucas Sankey

Racism is sin. What we are witnessing in these days is purely evil and another attempt from the enemy to cause division. Remember, he is on this earth to kill, steal and destroy. John 10:10 It is why he exists. What makes it all even worse is these hate groups consider themselves Christian, while attending church and quoting scripture. They even hate Jews, which our Jesus was. They justify their hate. They are blind to the truth and no protest can change that. Only the power of God can change hearts and uproot generational curses. We must cry out for him to heal our land. To break every chain and for us to reach out and love those who are different from us. To make friends with others that are different from us. That is the love of Jesus. That will bring the unity we need. We must be Christ like at all costs.

All of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8

“Lord, please forgive me for times I have judged others. Help me to be part of the solution. To bring love to a dying world in need of hope. Help me to reach out and love my neighbors of every race, color and background. Amen”

Growing up a church girl, I’ve known all my life that Jesus died for my sins. Yet, the knowledge of that fact can become too common. The Sunday school stories too sweet. In reality, Jesus didn’t just die quickly for our sins. He was tortured, pierced, mocked, ridiculed by past followers and betrayed by close friends. Take a moment and let that sink in. Nothing makes this truth such a reality for me as the film, The Passion of the Christ. I can’t help but weep over and over, every time I watch it. Though 13 years since it was released, it still has such a powerful impact on so many and no other Jesus film compares, to this day. I still remember specific news stories of criminals turning themselves in after watching this film, cast and crew giving their lives to Christ during the making and many in theaters during the showing.

He was tortured, pierced, mocked, ridiculed by past followers and betrayed by close friends.”

Christianity and church has become much too casual. We’re focused on the hashtags, the coffee bar and we’ve lost the wonder and the holiness of God. He is the Holy of Holies. The Alpha and the Omega. The creator of the universe. And when we understand this reality of his suffering and his greatness, it beckons us to a greater place of intimacy with him.

He willingly suffered and died not only that we may be forgiven of sins but that we would live free from any sort of bondage. He paid much too high a price for us to walk through this life feeling defeated.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame.Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” –Hebrews 12

Let us thank him now:

“Lord, thank you for the unforgettable price you paid for me. Not only dying gruesomely for my sins but for your beautiful love that chases me every day. May I be constantly, humbly reminded of your sacrifice. For I know you died for me so that I would live for you. Amen.”

One of the most comforting facts of life is that God never lies. In fact, it is impossible for him to lie. Hebrews 6:18 Just let that sink in for a moment. It is impossible for God to lie. What a comfort!

In a world where we face disappointments, dishonest people and unreliable circumstances, we can rest assured in his proven and unfailingly promises. Our great king, intimate friend and promise keeper.

Along with the unchanging word of God full of guarantees, he also gives us specific promises for our individual lives. As I’ve shared before I have over 50 specific promises regarding my future. Some have come to pass and some are yet to be seen.

I remember so clearly a few years ago, when I was in a real hard place and wanting to give up on what looked impossible. I asked God as I was reading his good book, “Just give me one word of encouragement.” He clearly spoke, “Numbers 23:19”. It had to be God because I wouldn’t naturally go to Numbers to find encouragement. ha but wow what a word!

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Numbers 23:19

For when people, situations or even the enemy tries to overwhelm us, we need to be guarded with the truth. Stay planted by memorizing his promises.

We all have those people in our lives, that we can only take in small doses. When we spend time with them we suddenly “become someone else.” Our default reaction is to blame that challenging person. Or situations that really cause us to feel or react negatively. But the truth is, that person or situation is bringing out our true character. It is actually very good that it comes out to the light, for when it is exposed we can deal with it. Maturity will cause you to notice your reaction and repent, therefore becoming Christ like in all situations.

My dad used to say, “It’s easy to live alone. You’ll always get along with yourself.” Also, it’s easy to have friends or people in our life that bring out the best in us. People that make us feel good. But, just when we think we don’t have a temper, a problem with lust or selfishness, God will put us in a challenging spot that reveals our character.

Good times don’t reveal who we really are. Struggles reveal who we really are.”

We can either justify our actions by blaming the person or situation or we can look at it through the eyes of God and what he is trying to do in us. He needs to make our heart right so we can love the unloveable and reach all people at all times. For good times don’t reveal who we really are. Struggles reveal who we really are. So we can either stay that way and make excuses or we can humble ourselves and repent. It’s our choice. Matthew 5: 46-48

To be loving, patient and kind in every challenging situation is proof of Jesus in our lives. It won’t matter if you go to church, tithe, serve or go on missions trips. What will impact the world most is your attitude when it counts. People usually need your love most in those moments when they deserve it the least.

Let us pray:

“Lord, thank you for revealing my weaknesses. I want to love well. I don’t want to be triggered by people or situations. Give me the grace I need to love all that cross my path. Keep my heart humble and teachable. Amen.”

How many Warriors fans do we have here? Being a Bay Area girl, I was pumped this past Monday night when they won the finals championship vs. the Cavs. It was such a fun game to watch, LeBron + Kyrie are amazing as well. I like good game in general. I recently, read an interview with Kevin Durant where he speaks of how he reveres Steph Curry, a devout believer. Where as Durant grew up in the harsh ghetto, living a defensive life full of poverty and fear, Curry grew up middle-class. Kevin worked hard to get out, it was driven by survival. He then says in admiration, “Steph didn’t have to work this hard, but yet he does.” The Holy Spirit spoke to me after reading this. Yes, he can even use sports to teach you a thing. ha. He’ll use anything and everything. He’s always speaking, we just need to be listening.

He started to show me how most of us come to God desperate because we are forced. Either by pain, tragedy, loss or something that forces us to our knees. But blessed is the person that comes to him, in just the same form of desperation, for the sheer want to.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” – Prov. 8:17

That’s what he desires for us. He doesn’t want to allow those painful circumstances that drive us to him but most of us would never naturally press in while living our comfortable life. We are too distracted by the tasks of the day and pressing in is not a priority. Where as when life breaks you, you have no other choice. It’s survival.

designed by: Leah Marie Carson

Let us press in and seek his face as if there is no other way. For there is no other way. Let us allow him to remove ugly pride, fear, unforgiveness, impurity, self reliance, judgement from our hearts. I encourage you to get on your knees now in your happy, content place so he can refine you into the beautiful key player that he can use to score big.

Let us pray:

“Lord, I come to you please forgive me of anything this doesn’t please you. Purify my heart. I want to seek you and find you. Help me push back all distractions. I will do the work necessary to become who you’ve called me to be.”

Welcome to Lens of Faith! My passion is to speak, to write, to encourage as I allow the Holy Spirit to lead. My prayer is for you to fulfill your God given passion, potential, and purpose. It's my honor to journey together.
hugs, Leah

“Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 ♥